This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
